How to Transfer Accounts between Interactive Brokers and E*TRADE
With the super-easy ACATS (Automated Customer Account Transfer Service) network, investment accounts can easily be transferred between E*TRADE and Interactive Brokers (or Interactive Advisors). Just follow our user-friendly guide.
Transfer from Interactive Brokers to E*TRADE
Transferring self-directed accounts between E*TRADE and Interactive Brokers—and eligible assets between E*TRADE and an Interactive Advisors-linked Interactive Brokers account—is a breeze using the ACATS e-transfer system. You do need to follow all protocols, however; otherwise, delays and problems will be experienced.
Step #1: The very first thing you need to do is
open a new brokerage or robo account at E*TRADE. It’s possible to move either account setup from Interactive Brokers/Advisors into either type at E*TRADE. Whole-share positions can be moved out of an Interactive Advisors account, although
fractional shares cannot be transferred to another brokerage firm and must be sold. E*TRADE’s robo service may use different funds, so transferred securities will generally be sold after they arrive to purchase the ETFs that E*TRADE uses. It is possible to go from a robo account to self-directed, in which case either cash or eligible positions can be moved.
After choosing the correct investment approach, the account needs to be opened. This chore can be accomplished in short order on either E*TRADE’s website or mobile app. Using the same name and tax structure (such as IRA or custodial account) will help immensely. E*TRADE can process some incoming transfers with different registration information, although additional documentation, such as a notarized letter of authorization, may be required. A
paper form may also be used for an external asset transfer, and the process is slower.
Step #2: Continuing with the electronic transfer, the Interactive Brokers account needs to be fully prepared for an
outgoing ACATS transfer. An Interactive Advisors account may also require some preparation. If you want to move cash only, the positions will need to be sold off. Be sure to consult with a licensed tax professional before selling anything.
An Interactive Brokers account may need several tasks completed before an ACATS request can be made. Asset eligibility should be checked before submitting the transfer.
ACATS can support U.S. stocks, warrants, options, U.S. mutual funds, U.S. bonds, cash, and some non-U.S. stocks. Forex and cryptocurrency positions are not standard ACATS assets. Assets that E*TRADE cannot receive can be sold, transferred elsewhere, or left behind in a partial transfer. Options expiring within seven business days require special handling during a full account transfer, and futures contracts do not transfer through ACATS.
Some mutual funds available at Interactive Brokers may not be available at E*TRADE. It’s advisable to check on the E*TRADE fund screener (available on both the website and mobile app) if a particular fund can be moved in. Some over-the-counter stocks may not be transferrable, either.
Before the transfer commences, it’s important to close out open orders and get rid of unsettled trades.
Step #3: With the IBKR account set up correctly, it’s time to work on the E*TRADE account. A self-directed account will need options trading and margin capability added if these will be moved with the IBKR account. It’s imperative to add the correct options level if any advanced strategies will be moved.
Step #4: The fourth step is where the ACATS request is actually made. It should be made with E*TRADE because
E*TRADE is the receiving investment firm. To access the ACATS form on the main mobile app, log in and tap on the Menu tab in the bottom row of icons. On the next page, select the Transfer link. Doing so will produce a new page with several choices. Scroll down to the Account Transfer link. Now you’ll have the ACATS form.
You’ll need to specify Interactive Brokers as the outgoing firm for either a self-directed or robo account. There will be several choices in the drop-down field based on the number of digits in the account number. Choose the correct one. Go through the various pages on the form and supply the requested details.
Step #5: After the request has been submitted, it’s easy to monitor its progress on either the mobile app or website. The initial page for the ACATS transfer has an activity section that shows previously-submitted transfer requests.
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Transfer from E*TRADE to Interactive Brokers
If you want to move an account in the opposite direction, a similar, although not exact, path will need to be followed.
Step #1: Either an Interactive Brokers account or Interactive Advisors account
needs to be opened. Either can receive a transfer from E*TRADE.
Eligible positions can be transferred in kind to an Interactive Brokers account linked to Interactive Advisors, although investments in Interactive Advisors portfolios are managed separately and transferred securities are not automatically incorporated into a selected portfolio. Remember the two rules about names and tax structures. It’s only possible to transfer an IRA into a compatible IRA, for example.
Step #2: The E*TRADE account needs to be adequately prepped. If you plan to transfer into an account linked to Interactive Advisors, eligible positions can be transferred to the Interactive Brokers account, although cash may be needed to invest in Interactive Advisors portfolios.
If you plan to transfer into a self-managed account with Interactive Brokers, many positions, but not all, will be accepted. Futures contracts can’t be sent through the ACATS network, so these must be handled in one of the three ways already suggested. The rules for mutual funds, OTC securities, and short-term options apply in this direction.
Interactive Brokers restricts transfers of some U.S.-listed micro-cap stocks. Only accounts and securities that meet its eligibility requirements can transfer these assets in. IBKR maintains an information page on this issue.
Step #3: The IBKR account must also be prepared. A self-directed account will need to have margin and options added if these will be sent from E*TRADE.
Step #4: Submitting an ACATS request is easy using the IBKR website or mobile app. On the former platform, simply log in and head to the
Transfer & Pay tab at the top of the site. In the drop-down menu underneath this link is a selection of sub-links. Click on the one to transfer positions.
On the next page, you’ll need to specify an incoming transfer, then the region, which will be the United States for a transfer from E*TRADE. Finally, select ACATS from the list of available transfer types.
Doing so will generate the ACATS digital form. At the top, there is a group of brokers. Select E*TRADE. Further down the list, full or partial transfer can be specified. There is an option to allow for the exclusion of mutual funds that Interactive Brokers won’t accept. With everything filled in correctly, it’s time to submit the ACATS request.
To access the same ACATS form on the mobile app, go to the More tab in the bottom menu and scroll down to the same Transfer & Pay section.
Step #5:
Check on the status of the transfer through the
Transaction Status & History section in the IBKR Client Portal or by calling
(877) 442-2757. Interactive Brokers also offers live chat support through its website.
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Cost of ACATS
At Interactive Brokers, there is
no charge for an incoming or outgoing ACATS transfer. There can be a charge for an ACH withdrawal in some cases, so be aware of this if you plan to send cash into a robo account with E*TRADE.
E*TRADE charges nothing to receive an ACATS, although it does have a
$75 outgoing fee for a full transfer. A partial is $25, although E*TRADE is nice enough to waive the fee if the account remains above $5k.
How Long Does an ACATS Take?
Transfer times vary by firm and the assets involved. Interactive Brokers lists approximately
4 to 8 business days for an ACATS transfer, while E*TRADE indicates that assets from electronically submitted external asset transfers are typically delivered in
10 or more business days.
Updated on 9/4/2026.
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